Mexico City: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has filed a criminal complaint after being groped while greeting supporters, pledging to push for nationwide reforms to criminalize sexual harassment in all states.
Incident Sparks Outrage
The 63-year-old president was walking from the National Palace to the Education Ministry on Tuesday when a man approached her. He placed an arm around her shoulder, touched her chest and hip, and tried to kiss her. Sheinbaum quickly pushed him away before her security staff intervened. The man, reportedly intoxicated, was later arrested.
During her morning press conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum said she filed the complaint to set an example. “If this happens to the president, what will happen to all the women in our country?” she asked.
Push for Legal Reform
Sheinbaum announced a nationwide review of sexual harassment laws, emphasizing that not all of Mexico’s 32 states classify harassment as a crime. “It should be a criminal offense, and we are going to launch a campaign,” she stated. She also shared that she had faced similar incidents in her youth and called for laws that ensure women’s dignity and safety.
Debate Over Security and Media Ethics
The assault has raised questions about Sheinbaum’s limited security detail. Like former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, she prefers to stay close to citizens. Despite public concern, she rejected suggestions to increase her protection, saying, “We have to be close to the people.”
Sheinbaum also criticized the newspaper Reforma for publishing photos of the incident, calling it “re-victimization.” She reminded the media that using such images violates laws against digital violence.
Ongoing Gender Violence Crisis
The incident has reignited debate over Mexico’s record on women’s safety. UN data shows that 10 women are murdered daily, and nearly 70% face sexual harassment during their lifetimes. Activists continue to demand stronger law enforcement and justice for victims.
